Prioritizing Mental Well-Being in College: A Guide to Meaningful Activities
As a young adult and college student, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of classwork, jobs, clubs, and other commitments. However, it’s important to take time to prioritize your mental well-being by engaging in activities that bring you inner peace and that can provide long lasting benefits.
Some activities can serve as temporary distractions, helping you manage stress in the short term, while others can strengthen your mental health over time. Understanding the difference between these activities is important so you choose those that nurture your well-being rather than simply offer a quick escape or distraction from reality.
1. Physical Activity
Engaging in physical exercise is a great way for college students to reduce stress and boost their mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the mental health and physical benefits of exercise also can help mood get better and lessen anxiety. Starting your day with exercise, whether it’s yoga, a morning run, or a walk around campus, can help establish a healthy routine. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood and energy levels. For instance, yoga is not only great for physical health, but also promotes mindfulness and anxiety management. If you prefer more energetic workouts, cycling classes can be a fun and social way to sweat it out. Personally, I find cycling classes therapeutic because of the energizing environment created by music and the shared experience with others.
2. Creative Outlets
Creative activities like drawing, painting, knitting, writing, or working with clay offer powerful ways to process emotions. A literature review found that art therapy aids individuals in managing intense emotions, fostering self-awareness and self-worth, and decreasing stress and anxiety. These activities allow for self-expression while providing a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re creating art to express your feelings or to build a collection of your work, creative outlets can be meaningful and therapeutic.
3. Social Connections
Spending time with friends and loved ones is another essential way to promote emotional well-being. Your support system, or “village,” can help create meaningful memories and give you a needed break from the stressors of college life. Surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people can remind you that you're not alone in any part of life.
4. Self-Reflection Techniques
Journaling is a great self-reflection tool that allows you to track your thoughts, feelings, and goals. It offers a safe space to process emotions, maybe vent frustrations, and gain clarity on situations you're going through. Writing can be a private outlet/space where you work through your challenges.
5. Good Sleep Hygiene
Maintaining healthy sleep habits is very important to reduce stress and ensure that your mental health does not decline. Joanna Cooper, M.D found that looking at a brightly lit screen prior to sleep can make for a restless night. One way to wind down before bed is to put away digital distractions and pick up a book or engage in a relaxing routine. Good sleep hygiene can help you feel more rested and better equipped to handle your day-to-day responsibilities.
6. Mindfulness Exercises
Practicing mindfulness, through meditation or breathing exercises, can help you stay connected to your emotions and manage stress more effectively. These techniques help ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
7. Mindful Use of Digital Technology
Technology can be a double-edged sword. While it can easily serve as a distraction, using it intentionally can help reduce stress. Watching your favorite show or movie before bed or listening to calming music while studying can be effective ways to relax and focus.
It's important to take care of your mental health in college while balancing all your responsibilities. Make time for activities that fill your cup, whether that’s hanging out with friends, exercising, or being creative. Everyone needs a break from time to time, so be sure to schedule it into your routine. Once you find what works for you, stick with it. Remember to prioritize yourself.
Guest Blogger: Helona Barnes, MHA Intern
Helona Barnes is a junior at the University of Delaware, majoring in Health Behavior Science with a minor in Public Health. From Frederick, MD, she enjoys watching shows, going on walks, trying new coffee shops and working with children. Her experiences fuel her passion for mental health and wellness.